TURIN - Juventus fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief with the news that captain Alessandro Del Piero has signed a two-year contract extension ahead of Sunday's home clash against Genoa.
Del Piero, Juve's all-time leading goalscorer, has been with club since 1993 and his previous deal would have ended next summer.
"I have undertaken a decisive choice in my career and my life," said the 32-year-old.
"Juventus has given me so much and it is here where I wish to continue to win.
"I share a project which I am confident will help us return to give great satisfaction to our fans.
"For me, two further years means a lot. I feel more of a Juventus fan than ever before, but regardless of the outcome I would have still remained loyal to Juve, considering my childhood and my past."
The contract negotiations proved to be a long ordeal with Juve executives having warned earlier this month of the possibility that Del Piero could well leave the club with no agreement reached after many months of negotiations.
"We needed time to evaluate the possibilities," admitted Del Piero.
"But I never feared the possibility of leaving, I have always had confidence in myself and in what I can give and the club executives have understood that."
Juve president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli was certainly happy after announcing that the deal had been completed.
"Del Piero represents our values and our projects," he said.
"Throughout his career he has always given passion and professionalism while honouring our colours with great performances. I am certain he will be crucial in the coming years."
Del Piero will have an opportunity to confirm his worth as he is set return to the starting line-up this weekend having been relegated to the bench in the clash at Fiorentina.
With striker Vincenzo Iaquinta suffering from flu, Del Piero looks set to partner Juve's top scorer David Trezeguet.
Juve boss Claudio Ranieri will be hoping his veteran can increase his goal tally against Genoa, with the striker having scored just once this campaign.
The Bianconeri will be looking to return to the winning ways after their 1-1 draw at Fiorentina, that left them trailing three points behind Serie A leaders Internazionale after seven games.
Opponents Genoa travel to the Olimpico Stadium aware of the challenge they face against the most potent strikeforce force in the league.
However, Genoa coach Gian Piero Gasperini has warned Juve his team will not concede defeat easily.
The promoted club have tasted victory in their last three games and find themselves in fifth position, just two points behind Juve.
"We are still working on perfecting our mechanisms and on giving ourselves an identity," said Gasperini.
"We have faith in our ability and know we can produce a decent game."
For the first time this season Gasperini looks to have his whole squad fit and no suspensions.
